Health for all in the digital age

Approximately half of the world’s population lacks access to essential health services, with millions unable to obtain even the most basic care. Digital technologies and data have the potential to improve health systems, enhancing both the quality and coverage of health services and lowering costs. However, if this digital health transformation is not achieved in an inclusive, equitable, and sustainable manner, it risks widening the existing health equity gaps. 

To mitigate this, it is essential to ensure digital transformation and the use of data address the needs of different population groups, including youth, women, and marginalised communities. Ensuring that all communities have equitable access to digital health innovations will be key to realising their full potential in improving health outcomes and achieving health for all.

Yet, the digital health landscape has long been characterised by siloed and fragmented approaches that often lead to duplication or the creation of parallel systems, and solutions are often not sustained and adopted at scale. Transform Health identified the lack of focus on the enabling environment as the main cause of the fragmentation in the health system, particularly the lack of coordinated and focused investment in the digital health ecosystem,  and the weak policy, legislative, and regulatory environment to guide countries’ digital transformation.

Transform Health amplifies the voices of youth, women, and other marginalised communities to ensure meaningful engagement on the issue of digital health transformation. They collaborate with partners to advocate for action from decision-makers and strengthen the enabling environment through legislation, regulation, and funding. Together, they work to find practical solutions focused on rights, equity, and inclusion. They unite stakeholders to drive change and advocate for action.